I am the author of 13 works of historical fiction, a novella in an invitation-only anthology, and a novella published exclusively as Ebook (Amazon bestseller). Other publications: book-length nonfiction, general and special-interest magazines, trade and academic journals, newspaper opinion columns, travel writing, copywriting, book reviews, website content. My poetry has been published by literary magazines.

A Pledge of Better Times, historical novel featuring the 1st Duke and Duchess of St. Albans in England's royal court of the late 17th century (2015).

Print re-issue of The Proposal (2015). Backlist print titles now available as Ebooks (all formats).

Articles for lifestyle magazines NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME and ACCENT ON HOME & GARDEN. Produced 2 informational films for nonprofit organization.

Website content development and management for additional nonprofits and several for-profit businesses.

BEST-KNOWN PROJECTS

Positive advance reviews for Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr:
“The golden age of the silver screen is brought to vivid life…Margaret Porter paints an indelible portrait of the reluctant starlet—as immigrant, inventor, and fierce patriot.” ~ Leslie Carroll, author of Notorious Royal Marriages
"Beautiful Invention is a tender and poignant depiction of Hedy Lamarr’s life. Porter successfully divides her focus between Hedy’s acting career and the complex politics of the times . . . Porter details the uncertainty of Hedy’s career immediately after her arrival in the USA and peers behind the façade of glamour gilding both the mundanity and the debauchery of Hollywood’s Golden Age." ~ Caitlyn Lyle Farley
"Set against the backdrop of World War II, including a heady mix of Hollywood stars, this book provides an insight into the life of one of the film greats. Her rise from lowly script girl to big screen fame is charted in detail, providing us with clues to the real woman behind the glamorous persona . . . Hedy Lamarr, once touted as one of the most beautiful woman in films, is vividly brought to life in Beautiful Invention. Those interested the early days of Hollywood glamour will love this book." ~ Readers' Favorite

A Pledge of Better Times (2015) received excellent reviews in book trade and other publications: "Brimming with vivid historical figures and events...rigorously researched and faithfully portrayed." ~ Publishers Weekly "Captures both the dramatic societal upheavals and the sparkling wit and court life of the time, especially in the character of Lady Diana, a wonderful fictional creation...a very rewarding reading experience." ~ Historical Novels Review "A richly evocative peek into a world long gone...with political and ideological maneuvering and romantic entanglements." ~ New Hampshire Sunday News "A true delight for fans of monarchy...Porter does a sensational job portraying the time period...the relationship between Charles and Diana is complex and interesting." ~ The Examiner

The original edition of Road to Ruin earned the Reviewer's Choice Award for Best New Author. The paperback edition was a mass market bestseller. This title has consistently remained in print in a variety of formats and languages. Novella The Apple Blossom Bower was an eBook genre bestseller on Amazon. My 3 novels partly set on The Isle of Man are re-packaged and digitally published as The Islanders Series.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING, WORK EXPERIENCE, HONORS

Completed B.A. in English & Theatre and M.A. in Journalism, specialising in Radio/TV/Film. Studied British Social History at leading UK univerities.

As an actress I performed classic and contemporary plays. I worked on 3 feature films and a network television series.

As a free-lance writer/producer, I've been involved with a variety of film and video productions.

I've taught beginning and advanced courses on Writing the Novel, and was Writer in Residence at a college-based summer writing program.

I'm listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Entertainment and Who's Who in Writers, Editors & Poets.

PROJECTS ON OFFER / PROPOSALS AVAILABLE

Biographical historical novel of the female cousin of a famous Hollywood star, striving to make her mark in films and live up to her family's expectations of success.

Biographical historical novel of eminent 18th century English actress/playwright/novelist and her conflicted relationship with the greatest actor of his age. This proposal is available.